Yes that is all you should need with the new nanos. The old ones didn't have a USB interface onboard and you needed a conversion. Only thing to watch out for is that chinese ones are pretty sketchy quality. But for $4 I will take the chance.

Anything that is arduino compatible should work just with a bit of messing about with the pins. I used a Teensy 2.0 in the original as it was what I had.

I got the ARDUINO Compatible Nano V3.0B Module from MiniKits. Not quite the Chinese price but not too bad

Worked well in my experience and has survived two events controlling my pneumatic system. Only reason I went there was because they had a couple of IC I needed as well and ordered 2 weeks pre event so didn't want a long shipping time.

Given we are still a while off an event I would probably risk the cheap option because the simple fact they are in the bot means you might damage one due to the forces involved. Can always source another one if it does not work. The ones from Arduino themselves are just not worth the money in my opinion.

I have also been looking at the TI MSP430. My understanding is you can just buy a chip and flash it on the board then solder the chip into your own circuit. IDE and language is very similar to Arduino as well so porting code should be quite easy.
The chip is not quite as capable but we are not generally doing overly complex work. May not be worth it here as you only need 1 or 2 copies but for slightly higher production runs or people doing custom PCB it may be worth a consideration._________________Remember to trust me, I am an Engineer.

Hmmm well that's messy. I will have to fix that up a little before I suggest you use it but as people are charging ahead though it would be good to post._________________Steven Martin
Twisted Constructions
http://www.botbitz.com

Sat Jun 18, 2016 12:46 am

evil_steve

Joined: 06 Sep 2015
Posts: 298
Location: Adelaide, SA

Sorry to be a pain, but any chance of a link to the mount for the pot? I'm hoping to get this done for Nationals and I'm going to have to ask someone nicely to print it for me.

Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:15 pm

NickExperienced Roboteer

Joined: 16 Jun 2004
Posts: 11791
Location: Sydney, NSW

If you can wait a week or two, I can print it out in this very promising new material:
http://www.fennerdrives.com/ninjatek/_/ninjatek/armadillo/
. It is said to be 60% tougher than ABS and much easier to print. I have a reel on the way, just not sure when it will arrive._________________Australian 2015 Featherweight champion
UK 2016 Gladiator champion

Thu Jun 30, 2016 9:25 pm

evil_steve

Joined: 06 Sep 2015
Posts: 298
Location: Adelaide, SA

Wow, yeah, for that I can wait

Actually, if that prints well I may reconsider getting a Cocoon Create or similar instead of something more expensive and enclosed for ABS.

Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:36 pm

NickExperienced Roboteer

Joined: 16 Jun 2004
Posts: 11791
Location: Sydney, NSW

I am just just typing a long post about that - stay tuned!_________________Australian 2015 Featherweight champion
UK 2016 Gladiator champion

Thu Jun 30, 2016 10:48 pm

martoExperienced Roboteer

Joined: 08 Jul 2004
Posts: 5445
Location: Brisbane, QLD

I got ardunios but I highly doubt I am going to have the time to do much documentation. Everything keeps getting away on me.